Systems and method for a non-pressurized, closed loop water sub-system for a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HVAC systems face efficiency reductions due to contaminant entry in open hot and cold water sub-systems, which are non-pressurized, leading to compromised heat transfer performance.
Innovation Solution
A closed loop water sub-system with an expansion tank and heat exchanger, where the expansion tank is positioned relative to the heat exchanger such that the inlet height is greater than the fluid level, maintaining the membrane in a collapsed configuration and preventing contaminant entry, while allowing the system to operate at non-pressurized conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the hot and cold water sub-systems are open, non-pressurized systems, then the membrane is maintained in a collapsed configuration, but contaminants may enter the sub-systems, reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
A closed loop sub-system is introduced as an intermediary between the open water sub-systems and the membrane heat exchanger. This closed loop system maintains non-pressurized conditions while preventing contaminant entry through its sealed architecture, thus protecting the membrane configuration while preserving sub-system efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The closed loop sub-system creates a protected, contaminant-free environment for the membrane heat exchanger. By isolating the membrane from direct exposure to open water sub-systems, the system maintains the collapsed membrane configuration without risk of contaminant ingress that would reduce efficiency
2Productivity
If the membrane is maintained in a collapsed configuration, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but the system requires non-pressurized operation which allows contaminant entry
Solution Approach 1:
The closed loop sub-system acts as a mediator that enables the membrane to maintain its collapsed configuration for optimal heat transfer efficiency while simultaneously blocking contaminant pathways. The sealed loop architecture provides the protective barrier needed to prevent harmful factor ingress
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane itself functions as a flexible thin film that, when maintained in collapsed configuration, maximizes heat transfer efficiency. The closed loop system preserves this configuration by maintaining non-pressurized conditions while preventing contaminant entry through its sealed structure
3Use of energy by moving object
If the system operates as an open, non-pressurized system, then the membrane remains collapsed for optimal heat transfer, but contaminants reduce sub-system efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The closed loop sub-system serves as an intermediary that decouples the requirements for optimal heat transfer (collapsed membrane in non-pressurized condition) from the risk of contaminant entry. It allows the membrane to maintain its energy-efficient collapsed state while the sealed loop architecture prevents efficiency-reducing contaminant ingress
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution maintains the membrane in a collapsed configuration, enhancing heat transfer efficiency by increasing the surface area to volume ratio and preventing contaminant ingress, thus improving the overall performance of the HVAC system.
Implementation Method 1
The expansion tank is positioned relative to the heat exchanger such that the inlet height is greater than the level height and the membrane is maintained in a collapsed configuration
Implementation Method 2
The heat exchanger includes a membrane for channeling the first fluid through the heat exchanger and is disposed for heat transfer between the first fluid and the second fluid
Data Source
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AI summary
A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system includes first and second fluids, a heat exchanger, a refrigerant sub-system, and at least one closed loop sub-system. The heat exchanger includes a membrane for channeling the first fluid through the heat exchanger and is disposed for heat transfer between the first fluid and the second fluid. The membrane defines an inlet having an inlet height relative to grade. The closed loop sub-system transfers heat from the heat exchanger to the refrigerant sub-system and includes an expansion tank containing the first fluid. A level of the first fluid within the expansion tank has a level height relative to grade. The expansion tank is positioned relative to the heat exchanger such that the inlet height is greater than the level height and the membrane is maintained in a collapsed configuration.